One step closer to fixing traffic issues at Marion and Archibald

Hey there, time traveller!This article was published 28/5/2013 (1290 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Transportation infrastructure is a concern for us all, and St. Boniface is not immune to the effects of its crumbling roads and traffic congestion.

An important item for St. Boniface presented in the 2013 City of Winnipeg Capital Budget includes $5 million earmarked in 2014 for upgrading Marion Street East of Archibald Street. In preparation for this, the city will be spending $1.5 million in 2013 to develop a functional design plan, which will identify solutions to traffic congestion at this intersection.

I believe the likely solution to fixing the congestion in this area would be to create an underpass at the railway crossing on Marion at Archibald. However, this would require an $80 million investment on behalf of the city.

With Winnipeg’s infrastructure deficit estimated at $3.8 billion over the next 10 years, it is clear that the city will not be able to fund this project alone. This improvement will need the support and financing of all three levels of government.

For example, many recent major infrastructure projects in Winnipeg were made possible only because of significant investments from city as well as the federal and provincial governments. Examples of these large, one-time projects include the Plessis Road underpass, the Disraeli Bridge and the Route 90 underpass.

Indeed, St. Boniface is booming. The ward I represent is one of the geographically largest and most populated of the entire city. With 2,000 more homes to be constructed in Sage Creek, and more residential development planned for Island Lakes and Royalwood, traffic and road conditions will continue to be a concern for a majority of my constituents.

Cities are the drivers of economic growth but only receive a small percentage of revenue because they are limited to property taxes and other fees. In this particular case, all levels of government need to step up to the plate.

In order for a city to grow and thrive, new infrastructure and street renewal projects must take place in order to accommodate this growth. St. Boniface is definitely thriving and we can see growth happening everywhere!

I am extremely confident that through collaborations and partnerships, we will be able to find a solution. I am committed to working on behalf of all residents to make sure that St. Boniface remains the best and the most dynamic area in Winnipeg to live.

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